Sanjay Raut Celebrates Shiv Sena's 60-Year Journey Amid Challenges
Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), celebrated the party's 60-year journey during its Diamond Jubilee. He reflected on the challenges faced, including betrayals and political upheavals, while emphasizing the party's evolution from a regional movement to a significant political force. Raut highlighted the resilience of the Shiv Sena under the leadership of Balasaheb and Uddhav Thackeray, asserting that predictions of its failure were proven wrong. He drew parallels with historical struggles, reminding that internal opposition has always posed challenges. This celebration marks a significant milestone in the party's history.
Jun 19, 2026, 13:21 IST
Sanjay Raut Reflects on Shiv Sena's Diamond Jubilee
On Friday, Sanjay Raut, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and a member of the Rajya Sabha, commemorated the party's remarkable 60-year journey, despite facing numerous challenges, betrayals, and political upheavals. He made these remarks during a press conference held in honor of Shiv Sena's Diamond Jubilee.
Raut referred to the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray as the "real Shiv Sena," reminiscing about its evolution from a regional movement advocating for Marathi rights to a significant political force reaching the national capital.
He emphasized that today marks the 60th anniversary of the Shiv Sena, celebrating its Diamond Jubilee. The party has traversed a long path, initially under the leadership of Balasaheb Thackeray and subsequently under Uddhav Thackeray. Reflecting on the party's inception, he noted that it was founded 60 years ago to advocate for the rights and justice of the Marathi community. At that time, skeptics joked that the Shiv Sena would not last even six months, predicting it would never extend beyond Mumbai and Thane.
Raut asserted that all those predictions were proven wrong. The Shiv Sena achieved victories in Mumbai, Thane, and across Maharashtra, ultimately reaching Delhi. Discussing the party's political journey, he remarked that every political organization experiences ups and downs. He explained that the trajectory of any political party is often marked by fluctuations; sometimes the momentum is swift, at other times it halts, and occasionally it stabilizes. During the era of Balasaheb Thackeray, known as the 'Hindu Hriday Samrat,' the party also faced numerous challenges.
He recalled that Balasaheb endured many setbacks, often lamenting that he had been stabbed in the back so many times that there was no room left for new wounds. Citing the struggles of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in establishing Hindavi Swarajya, Raut pointed out that internal opposition has historically posed significant challenges. Therefore, he expressed that the current situation should not come as a surprise.
Raut concluded by reminding everyone of the example set by Shivaji Maharaj, who faced the greatest obstacles from his own people while striving to establish Hindavi Swarajya.
Stay updated with the latest in national politics and major news events.